After nearly two years worth of writing and recording Dashboard Confessional is set to release Dusk and Summer, the band's fourth studio album for Vagrant Records. Produced by Don Gilmore (Pearl Jam, Linkin Park) and recorded in Los Angeles and New York, Dusk and Summer contains some of the finest songs of the band's career.

As we reported here yesterday, singer/songwriter Chris Whitley passed away this past Sunday after losing a battle with lung cancer. Bradley Bambarger over at Chris' record label Messenger Records posted this message that we thought was worth sharing:

U2 producer and solo artist Daniel Lanois was honored earlier this week with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hamilton Music Awards in his native Canada. Lanois, hailed as one of the most influential producers in pop music over the past 20 years, was presented with his award by Garth Hudson, legendary keyboard player for The Band. Lanois received three other Hamilton Music Awards including, best producer, best guitarist and best instrumental recording - - for his latest solo album, Belladonna.